Vietnam: Three Provinces Free From Bird Flu Epidemic
 Bernama, 25 June 2007

HANOI, June 25 (Bernama) -- Three provinces became bird flu free when Quang Ninh, Bac Ninh and Dong Thap provinces have reported no new outbreaks as of Sunday, quoting a news report filed by the Vietnam news agency.

The Veterinary Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development made the announcement, adding that Sunday was also the first day with no new bird flu outbreaks reported nationwide.

The period required for an affected locality to free itself from the epidemic is at least 21 days.

Since May, bird flu has hit 18 provinces and cities. Five humans have contracted H5N1 and two of them have died, bringing the total death toll to 44 since 2003.

Provinces that have come closer to this 21-day milestone include Phu Tho, 20 days; Nam Dinh, 19 days; Hung Yen and Ha Nam, 18 days. Other provinces in the list are Nghe An, Son La, Hai Phong, Bac Giang, Can Tho, Ninh Binh, Vinh Phuc, Quang Nam, Thai Binh, Ha Tinh and Cao Bang.

So far, 44 provinces and cities have finished the year's first round of bird flu vaccination for 83.86 million chickens, 59.39 million ducks and 3.47 million white-winged ducks.-- BERNAMA